Beach Park, IL – Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested a Beach Park man for violating the Illinois sexual predator registry by interacting with trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Detectives observed Margarito T. Esparza, 71, engaging with children by offering them candy, a clear violation of his restrictions.
As part of their Halloween safety protocols, Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives increase patrols to prevent registered offenders from interacting with children. These patrols include reminders to offenders about compliance with state laws prohibiting them from holiday events involving minors.
According to authorities, Esparza, a registered sexual predator with a past aggravated criminal sexual abuse conviction, offered candy to minors who approached his home on the 38200 block of North Sheridan Road. Detectives immediately intervened and placed him under arrest.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office subsequently approved a charge of Unlawful Participation of a Sexual Predator During a Holiday Event Involving Minors. Esparza appeared in court this morning, where he was ordered to follow strict pretrial conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 19 at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom T020.
